The highlight from today’s sightings was a great finding of 22 Golden Plover near Holton Heath Industrial Estate, the first reported since the drop in temperature this week. At PC World Drain, a single Spotted Redshank was seen this afternoon. A count from Ower Quay produced 225 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 41 Grey Plover, 113 Dunlin, 55 Lapwing, 17 Red-breasted Merganser and 8 Black-necked Grebes. At Studland, from Jerry’s Point and Redhorn, 2 Long-tailed Duck, 3 Slavonian Grebe, 2 Black-necked Grebe, 21 Goldeneye,  2 Great Northern Diver, c.20 Red-breasted Merganser, as well as 4 Common Scoter and the single Pale-bellied Brent Goose were reported. Over at Whitley lake this afternoon, 100 Bar-tailed Godwit, along with 14 Sanderling were counted. A male Merlin was also reported hunting at Hartland Moor.

This Sunday evening, we will be releasing the next episode in our Reintroduction & Rewilding podcast, created by Charlie Moores. This week, he chatted with Harvey Tweats and Tom Whitehurst from Celtic Reptile & Amphibian, after their project has sparked much debate amongst conservationists. Charlie got to grips with the motivations behind the project, how the team have reacted to criticism of their work, and how they believe their project sits in the future of conservation. An episode not to be missed, catch a quick preview here:

Golden Plover – Organford – Trevor Warwick